California Classroom Science

Meet Your New Board Members

Posted: Monday, August 1st, 2011

The CSTA board of directors is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011-2013 CSTA elections. Returning to the board in their previous capacities are Marian Murphy-Shaw, secretary, Dean Gilbert, region 3 director, Michelle French, primary director, and Valerie Joyner, region 1 director. New to the board are Lisa Hegdahl, middle school/junior high director and Grahme Smith, informal science director. CSTA welcomes Laura Henriques back to the board in her new position, president-elect.

New CSTA Board Members

Laura Henriques is a professor and chair in the science education department at California State University, Long Beach. She teaches classes for prospective K-12 science teachers and graduate students earning their Master’s in science education. Laura has served on numerous CSTA committees, including several conference planning committees, and served on the CSTA board as 4-year college director from 2004-2008.

Lisa Hegdahl is an eighth grade science teacher in the Galt Unified School District. In her 20 years as a middle school teacher, she has also taught eighth grade math and language arts intervention classes which she integrates into her science curriculum. She works with students outside of the classroom as an advisor for Club Live and Science Olympiad and with new teachers as a BTSA support provider. Lisa served on the CSTA conference committee in 2010 and 2011 and will chair the 2012 conference.

Grahme Smith is manager of the Teacher Institute on Science and Sustainability at the California Academy of Sciences. He serves as content advisor for the development of Academy exhibits where he ensures that the exhibits address the California science content standards. Grahme developed a classroom kit that brings the resources of the Academy into classrooms. He has presented workshops at the California Science Education Conference on several occasions.

Outgoing CSTA Board Members

CSTA bids a fond farewell to three board members who served tirelessly during their time on the board of directors. During the June 4, 2011 meeting of the board of directors, Sue Pritchard (CSTA president 2007 – 2009) remembered Ruby Flood who brought her to the CSTA board and acknowledged the value CSTA has provided to her and her colleagues. She encouraged others to keep contributing to CSTA and other youth and education organizations. Jeff Bradbury recalled the initial feeling he had when seeing the board of directors on stage while attending his first California Science Education Conference and the gulf he felt then between him and them, he now understands is not so huge – sharing that sense of connection with the members is a feeling he wishes every member could have – he reminded members that they are not so removed from being leaders themselves. He gave sincere thanks to Tim for his leadership and positive outlook through two tough years. Via e-mail, Meg Burke regretted that she was not able to attend the June meeting, but thanked the board and Tim for a great experience.

The CSTA board of directors welcomes your comments and contributions. Please feel free to post a comment below or send them an e-mail at csta@cascience.org.

“These teachers are dedicated and accomplished individuals whose innovative teaching styles prepare our students for 21st century careers and college and develop them into the designers and inventors of the future,” Torlakson said. “They rank among the finest in their profession and also serve as wonderful mentors and role models.”

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